All title loans require preparation, especially online title loans. Unfortunately not all borrowers spend enough time to properly prepare. However, if done right, preparing properly can make the process smoother and result in a faster loan.

This is why we consider preparing for an online title loan a critical first step. This critical first step is often overlooked and is not always communicated by some title loan companies. At a minimum, be familiar with the three must do items for an online title loan.

Nevertheless, it is something we recommend every potential borrower perform prior to deciding to move forward with getting any type of a title loan. Proper preparation helps ensure you make the best decision for your situation, as well as have the necessary information to make the loan go smoothly and fast should you choose to move forward with one.

Preparation can include both finding the best title loan and making the determination that a car title loan is not the right choice for your situation. They are short term solutions and are not the right choice for every borrower.

Four Key Online Title Loan Preparation Steps

For purposes of covering all necessary information in a logical order we have broken up online title loan preparation into four key steps:

1. Documenting the Title Loan Requirements
2. Taking Vehicle Pictures
3. Determining the Optimal Loan Length
4. Finding the Best Title Loan Company

If you are considering a title loan we strongly suggest performing these preparation steps regardless of which lender you choose to go with. In fact, preparation step four details how to find the best title loan company.

Proper preparation helps ensure your title loan is what you expect and that you are prepared for making the payments.

Online Title Loan Preparation Step 1 – Document the Title Loan Requirements

To prepare for an online title loan you will want to be sure you meet the title loan requirements. It is important to understand the specific requirements in your state. For example, title loans in Miami or Orlando are different than title loans in Texas. Once you understand the requirements for an online title loan in your state, then start collecting the documents and information to show you meet those requirements.

We recommend putting all documents in a single place (file or folder) so you have them ready when it comes time to apply. This can be any place that is convenient like a single file or folder.

While different title loan companies may have different requirements, generally the online title loan requirements include:

1. Lien Free Title – a free and clear title to the vehicle you want to to use for the loan
2. Valid Drivers License – current license
3. Proof of Insurance – insurance information, full coverage if possible
4. Proof of Income – either proof of income or ability to repay the loan (it is possible to get a title loan with no income verification)
5. Vehicle Pictures – interior, exterior, odometer, and VIN

Some additional items may be required for certain title loans; particularly completely online title loans with no phone calls. When preparing, gather the required documents and files and put them in a single folder.

This will make it easy when applying. You will be able to upload all required information at the same time. This will ensure your online title loan is fast with no unnecessary delays. This is key to being able to get anything close to an instant title loan online with direct deposit.

Online Title Loan Preparation Step 2 – Take Vehicle Pictures

The next step during preparation is to take vehicle pictures. These will include details to enable the lender to perform an accurate virtual appraisal. Make sure to include:

1. Exterior – All sides, front, and rear
2. Interior – seats, trunk, dash
3. VIN – On Drivers Door sill and drivers side dash
4. Under the hood
5. Odometer
6. Other relevant – license plate

Find out more information on how to take pictures for a title loan online including where to locate your vehicle’s VIN. These pictures are especially important for title loans without seeing the car. In these cases the appraisal is completely virtual and the lender does not actually see the vehicle in person.

Taking Motorcycle Title Loan Pictures

A common question is what about pictures for motorcycle title loans? The same principles apply to motorcycles, trucks, RVs, or any other vehicle that you are using for a title loan.

Make sure to take pictures of the VIN, license plate(s), and detailed pictures to verify the condition.

For a title loan without vehicle inspection the lender will need to appraise the vehicle based on the pictures you provide. This means the more detail you can provide the better.

What we usually say is pretend you are purchasing a vehicle online without seeing it. What type of information would you want to see? Detailed pictures obviously.

Online Title Loan Preparation Step 3 – Determine the Optimal Loan Length and Amount

The next step when preparing for a title loan is to determine the optimal title loan amount and length. There are several parts to this step, the first being the title loan amount.

Title Loan Amount

The amount should cover the expense. Then, you will need to use the title loan calculator to optimize your loan and find a payment you can afford.

Keep in mind that missing payments can result in repossession so make sure you can afford the monthly payments with no issue. Additionally, the loan maximum is usually a percentage of vehicle value, so understanding how much your car is worth is helpful for this preparation step.

Loan Length

Once you have the amount and a payment you can afford, then look at the total loan cost. Extending a title loan for too long often results in a total loan cost that is not reasonable. What makes this even worse is the monthly payment is not reduced by much.

Make sure this isn’t the case before moving forward with any title loan. If the total loan cost seems excessive or unreasonable it probably is.

Online Title Loan Preparation Step 4 – Find the Best Title Loan Company

The final preparation step is to find the best title loan company for your title loan. At this point, you have:

1. Determined the Loan is worth it
2. Documented the Requirements
3. Optimized your loan length and amount

Now it is time to find a title loan company that meets your needs. A mistake some borrowers make is assuming every lender is the same and simply going to the nearest lender or applying with the company that shows up as the first search result. Sometimes this is just because the borrower is in a hurry.

Rushing without consideration for differences between lenders can result in overpaying for the loan or getting stuck in a loan with unfavorable terms. Such unfavorable terms can include prepayment penalties, excessive fees, and very high interest rates.

Additionally, some lenders have started extending title loans beyond what should be considered short term loans. This can result in the total loan cost exceeding four times or more the original principal.

Take some time and find the best title loan company for your situation. This may include finding the best title loan near you, or an online title loan company that serves your area.

Make sure they provide a loan repayment schedule you can work with. Also make sure they accept a convenient payment method. Finally, always read the loan agreement in full before signing.

Decide the Type of Online Title Loan

There are several types of online title loans and each works a bit differently. For example, for a title loan that doesn’t require the car, you would need a title loan without inspection.

There are also loans with inspection, with and without a store visit, 24 hour title loans, and various other types. Funding method is often an interest to borrowers, particularly online title loans with direct deposit.

Decide on what your specific requirements are and choose the most appropriate type for your situation. If you need your loan funded quickly, then an instant online title loan may be the right choice.

If you prefer an in person appraisal, then an online title loan with inspection may be the right choice. Perform a cost benefit analysis to help make your decision.

Refinancing a Title Loan

What if a borrower already has a title loan and is looking to improve the terms and conditions of the loan? If the state permits it, one way to do so is to apply for a title loan refinance to reduce the overall cost.

This requires similar preparation as described for a new loan. Follow similar preparation steps to help ensure you get the best deal possible.

Final Preparation

Now that you have the documentation required, vehicle pictures, optimized the loan amount, and have found the best title loan company, you are ready to apply.

By completing all necessary preparation this will help make the title loan process smoother and faster. By having all of your information ready when you decide to apply this will reduce any chance of a delay.